Piano Chamber Music
CSUSB Piano Chamber Music Ensemble
Piano Chamber Music is a collaborative performance ensemble open to students of all instruments, including piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and voice. The ensemble offers students the opportunity to develop strong collaborative musicianship through chamber music in a variety of settings, including piano ensemble, mixed-instrument chamber groups, and vocal collaborations.
Rather than focusing on solo performance, Piano Chamber Music emphasizes making music together. Students learn how to listen deeply, rehearse effectively, and shape interpretations collaboratively—skills that are essential for chamber musicians, ensemble performers, educators, and professional musicians across many musical paths.
Ensemble Focus
Students are placed into small chamber groups—such as piano four-hands or multi-piano ensembles, duos, trios, quartets, mixed-instrument ensembles, or vocal collaborations—and remain in that group for the duration of the term. Sustained collaboration allows students to develop a cohesive ensemble identity, refine musical communication, and build confidence as collaborative performers.
The ensemble focuses on:
- Ensemble listening and musical communication
- Rhythmic coordination, balance, and refined group sound
- Collaborative rehearsal strategies and shared musical leadership
- Differences between solo performance and chamber music-making
- Creative approaches to interpretation, programming, and performance venues
- Engagement with both academic and community audiences
Rehearsals and Coaching
Ensembles receive regular coaching with the instructor and are expected to rehearse consistently outside of scheduled sessions. Coaching times are arranged individually at the beginning of the term based on ensemble needs and availability.
Depending on instrumentation and repertoire, students may rehearse in pairs, small chamber groups, or larger piano ensemble formats.
Performances
Performance is an integral part of Piano Chamber Music. Students participate in in-class performances and selected public concerts throughout the academic year, gaining experience in collaborative stage presence, ensemble communication, and audience engagement.
Performance opportunities may include traditional concert settings as well as alternative or community-based venues.
Participation and Eligibility
- Open to music and non-music majors
- Open to students of all instruments, including piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and voice
- Placement audition and instructor permission required
Students are encouraged, but not required, to continue participating across multiple semesters for deeper artistic development. Ensemble groupings may change each term based on enrollment and instrumentation.
Director
Dr. Valentina Wen-Ting Huang
Email: valentina.huang@csusb.edu
For audition information, participation details, or ensemble questions, please contact Dr. Huang directly.